The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges will proceed with the investigation into the complaint filed against Davao del Norte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, after the panel on Thursday found it “sufficient in form and substance”, according to committee Vice Chairperson and AKO BICOL Party List Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon.

The complaint filed by Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy alleged that Alvarez committed “disorderly behavior” and “violations of the code of conduct of the House of Representatives”.

“There are three grounds kung saan nakabatay po ‘yung complaint filed against Congressman Alvarez. Number one is the absences. Number two, the libelous utterances or statements made by Congressman Alvarez against public officials in Davao del Norte, including Special Assistant to the President Lagdameo. And number three, the seditious remarks or utterances made by Congressman Alvarez in one of the public rally in Davao del Norte,” Bongalon told the media on Friday, citing the grounds mentioned in Uy’s complaint. 

“We had the initial consideration of the complaint… The committee unanimously found that the complaint is sufficient in form and content,” he added.

The committee will send a notice to Alvarez regarding the ethics complaint and ask him to respond within 10 days from receipt of the said notice. The panel will then schedule a meeting to discuss and deliberate on the merits of the complaint.

Bongalon gave assurances that the committee will act on the complaint based on its merits, and not on political alliances. 

“Whether or not there's a merit on the case, I think it is still premature (to tell),” the panel vice chairperson said.

“Wala po itong halong pulitika. Nabanggit nga po ninyo na malapit po na kaalyado ni Congressman Alvarez si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. But I guess that is immaterial in this case,” he added.

Sought for comment, Alvarez said, “I submit to the best judgment of the House Ethics Committee.”

Last month, the former Speaker and ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte issued a call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to withdraw support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “in a peaceful way”. The Department of Justice launched an investigation to determine whether the remark has risen to the level of sedition, inciting to sedition or rebellion.

Alvarez had denied that his statement was tantamount to these crimes, adding that it is covered by the Constitutional right to free speech.